Siphelele Nketo

A COMMUNITY gathering organised to address safety concerns and improve police-community relations to combat crime was recently conducted in the Shayamoya community hall. Stakeholders included the SAPS, Department of Community Safety, Greater Kokstad Municipality, Department of Education, Department of Social Development, Department of Correctional Services and other organisations involved in crime-fighting initiatives.

The gathering was a platform to address safer methods in the Marikana informal settlement and Shayamoya. Residents voiced their grievances regarding crime while stakeholders outlined their interventions to make communities safe.

SAPS spokesperson Mosa Hlaki said that pamphlets on how to report incidents of gender-based violence, sexual offences and children rights were distributed to community members.

Police station commander in Kokstad Colonel Ruiters presented plans to effectively address crime and called for stronger partnerships with communities to win the battle against crime.